Whether they obscure the driver's view, reduce grip on the road, or cause trees to come crashing down on the roads, adverse weather conditions contribute to risks and increase the likelihood of motor accidents. When driving in rain, strong winds, snow or fog, you should take extra care to reduce the risk of a crash.
Road traffic accidents that occur on very wet roads and motorways are often caused by hydroplaning (also known as aquaplaning), and are very common in regions where there is a lot of rain. As Scotland experiences some of the heaviest rainfall in Europe, there is a danger that some of the country's motorists will be involved in such accidents, but responsible drivers can take precautions to avoid them.
Help avoiding hydroplane accidents
Pavement tyre friction provides the grip that is required for maintaining vehicle control and for stopping in emergency situations. However, when the road is wet and a layer of water builds between the tyres of the vehicle and the road surface, it can then cause the driver to lose control and prevent the vehicle from responding to steering, braking or accelerating. The vehicle will then slide and skid until the friction between the ground and the wheel is retained again or, in unfortunate cases, until it collides with something else - such as another vehicle, a tree, a house or even a pedestrian.
If driving in heavy rainfall, then there is the added risk of the driver not being able to see through the windshield properly, meaning that the time they have to react to any danger is reduced.
It is crucial, therefore, to reduce your speed when driving through a deep layer of water or in heavy rain, and it's a good idea to gently test your brakes once out of the water (while still travelling at a slow speed). This will allow you to see if the water has affected the efficiency of your brakes as well as help create friction. If you're thinking about driving through a flood, keep in mind that it can be difficult to assess the depth of standing water. If you're in doubt about whether you can make it through, turn around and find another route.
Good grip is crucial
It's also important to make sure your tyres are appropriately maintained and in good condition at all times and that your windscreen wipers are fully functional. You need to leave plenty of room between you and the vehicle in front so that you have enough time to stop. Remember that the reduced grip your tyres have on the road will increase your stopping distance, and you will need to compensate for this.
So, while wet weather does make road accidents more likely, there are many safety measures a motorist can take to ensure an accident doesn't occur. If these measures are not implemented and then go on to cause a serious accident, the driver is likely to be guilty of negligence.
And if you, as the driver are injured as a result of negligence, you should be entitled to receive compensation.
Thompsons Solicitors – always on your side
Suffering a personal injury is never an easy time for you or your family. Depending on the severity of the injury, it is possible you might require immediate rehabilitation therapy and expensive supportive equipment to help you cope with your injuries. This is why a compensation award is a crucial component of your recovery, and a dedicated solicitor from Thompsons, one of Scotland's largest personal injury firms, can help you get the award you deserve.
For a compensation lawyer who will approach your case with empathy, sensitivity, and dedication, contact Thompsons today on 0800 0891 331 to discuss your case with a specialist solicitor. We understand that this is likely to be an overwhelming time for you, which is why we always aim to give straightforward advice to help you decide on the best way forward. And, with our No Win No Fee Solicitors package, you won't have to worry about incurring any unnecessary legal fees.
It is crucial, therefore, to decrease your speed when driving through a deep layer of water or in heavy rain, as well as making sure that your tyres are appropriately maintained and in good condition at all times.
